Cross on Srđ in Dubrovnik

The Cross on Srđ stands on the hilltop that rises above Dubrovnik. The stone memorial cross dates to the 1930s. It is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the city skyline and a popular goal for visitors who want a view over the Old Town and the Adriatic.

Why was the cross built on Srđ?

The idea came from the Bishop of Dubrovnik, Josip Marija Carević. He wanted to mark the 1900th anniversary of the death of Christ in a lasting way, and in 1933 he launched the effort to build a cross on Mount Srđ. A design team prepared a proposal for a stone memorial cross. According to one account, the bright, lustrous stone for the cross and its surrounding structure came from the island of Brač, known for its limestone.

What happened to the cross during the siege?

Srđ played a major part in the siege of Dubrovnik in 1991–1992. In 1991, during the attack on the southern tip of Croatia, the cross was pulled down. After the war it was put up again in the same place. The new cross was blessed by the bishops of Dubrovnik and Hvar, and the ceremony was led by Cardinal Franjo Kuharić. The sources give no exact date for the ceremony.

Today the cross is both a religious symbol and a reminder of the difficult events of the early 1990s and of the city's recovery.

What else is nearby?

The cross stands close to Fort Imperial, which became a key defensive point again during the siege. Sources give different construction dates for the fort, from 1810 to the years 1806–1812. The upper station of the cable car is also nearby. The cable car was built in 1969 and destroyed during the bombing of Dubrovnik in 1991.

How to plan a visit

• You can reach Srđ by cable car from near the Old Town, or on foot along a steep path uphill.
• The cross, the fort and the viewing terrace are easy to see in a single visit.
• Sunset is a good time for photographs of the city.
• Bring water and a hat, as there is little shade at the top.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Cross on Srđ built? The effort began in 1933 to mark the 1900th anniversary of the death of Christ. The sources do not give an exact completion date.

Was the cross destroyed? Yes. In 1991, during the attack on southern Croatia, the cross was pulled down. It was later erected again in the same place.

Are there other sights next to the cross? Yes, Fort Imperial stands right beside it, and the Srđ cable car runs nearby.

Is it worth going up Srđ? Yes, if you want to see Dubrovnik from above and learn about the siege of the city in a single place.